What I’ve been learning in my new call

I’m officially one week into my new call as the pastor of Christ Lutheran Church on Allison Hill in Harrisburg, PA as well as the executive director of the Health Ministries at the church. And there is a lot that I’ve been learning. Here’s some initial things that I’m learning:

1. That’s a long title. It’s a mouthful. It probably doesn’t fit nicely on a business card (I haven’t gotten around to those yet). Based on what I’m learning, those titles are really just the summation of all the other things I am called to be here as well that I will learn as time goes on.
2. I’m grateful. Grateful for a whole bunch of things. I’m grateful for this call that gives me the opportunity to see more the image of God in so many ways in the congregation and community. I’m grateful that this call is so very unique. I’m grateful for having colleagues that are both clergy and medical. I’m grateful for time to absorb in so much of what I’m learning. I’m grateful for the transition time that I was able to have to my predecessor and for a smooth transition that has been a real blessing for both of us. I’m grateful for so many other things.
3. Humility is important. Actually it is vital. I have a lot to learn in this call because of the unique nature of this calling being a congregation and health clinics. This means I ask a lot of questions. I listen. I contemplate. I’ve been asked what I plan on changing. “I don’t know, I need to spend time learning before I can answer that question.” That’s what I’ve been saying because…